Catching Fire! 4 Common Signs That Your Car Will Burst in Flames Soon

Usually, car fires are attributed to failure of four of its components: the fuel, the fluids, the electrical systems, and the exhaust systems. If any of these gets bungled up, you’ll end up with a hot and fiery mess—literally!

Nobody wants their sweet rides to go up in smoke. Hence, it’s important for you to check and double check your car’s systems to see if they’re functioning properly. Listed below are the most major and common signs that would leave to your wheels bursting into flame.

Overheating Exhaust Systems

While it’s common knowledge that exhaust systems tend to overheat, it doesn’t mean your car would catch fire immediately. Exhaust systems covers the whole length of your vehicle, starting at the  engine, running underneath the body, and coming out the back. These being said, it has many spots that are prone to overheating, which could leave your ride extremely damaged.

Overheating also causes the engine fluids to boil, making it spill out of its containers and spurt from the engine bay to the exhaust system and thus causing ignition and fire. So if you feel like your car’s engine is going to overheat, don’t hesitate to go to your mechanic straightaway. If your ride has prior cases of overheating, make sure to visit regularly.

Fluid Spillage

As mentioned above, overheating causes the fluids in your car (i.e. coolant, engine oils) to boil and spill out of their containers. You should know by now that most of these fluids are highly flammable and dangerous, capable of effortlessly setting your car on fire if ignited. And even if it doesn’t, the fluids can still cause coagulation in the chassis and engine, making it rust and rot prematurely. So in case there’s fluid spillage in your vehicle (caused by overheating or otherwise), better have it cleaned up immediately!

Dysfunctional Electrical Systems

Whether the battery is incorrectly installed or the wirings are improperly connected, dysfunctional and failing car electrical systems are caused by none other than its owners. Car batteries are capable of overheating, and when it’s not installed right, it could cause sparks which could ignite some of the fluids inside the hood. Standard batteries for cars are capable of instigating troubles for car owners. And like the exhaust system, electrical wirings goes throughout the entire car (in channels, doors and even in the powered and heated seats), which means that if any of these are damaged, it could cause havoc to your ride and set it on fire.

Gas Problems

All it takes is for the fuel source to come into contact with an ignition source and you got yourself a veritable inferno in your car. Fuel system leaks are really dangerous; if car fluids are sure fire catalysts, what more its gasoline! A simple spark could easily result in a fire! Gasoline at a temperature of 45 °F (7.2 °C) or above is already risky to catch fire, and when the temperature reaches 495 °F (257.2 °C), the car will burst in flames! Luckily, maintaining your car properly can reduce the risk of it catching fire due to gas leaks. And if you smell (however faintly) gas in or around your car, find it and call your mechanic immediately!

Hot rides are always cool, but if it’s literally on fire then that’s another matter. Should any of these signs make an appearance in your own vehicle, have it checked out as soon as possible!